Eurocopter AS350 B2 N196BH

Summary

On 8 July 2004 at about 22:30 local time, a Eurocopter AS350 B2 registered N196BH, operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Inc., was involved in an accident near Hilo, Hawaii, United States. 7 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 July 2004 at 22:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Hilo, Hawaii, United States

Coordinates

20.0206, -155.4253

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS350 B2

Registration

N196BH

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wiakoloa Heli → Hilo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX04LA256

1 person had minor injuries.

the pilot's inadequate planning/decision by his VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree. A low ceiling and fog were contributing factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions during an air tour flight. The helicopter's main rotor contacted trees as the pilot was attempting to reverse course; the helicopter then hit hard and rolled over during an emergency landing. During the flight, the pilot heard reports of poor weather conditions along his intended flight path. He chose to fly along a different flight path to avoid the weather. He flew above a scattered, thin layer of clouds, and the weather began changing rapidly and clouds formed and closed in on the helicopter. The pilot descended through a hole trying to regain visual conditions underneath the cloud deck. Once below the clouds, the weather continued to worsen as the clouds and fog continued to surround and engulf the helicopter. Now in instrument conditions, the pilot was attempting to reverse course and climb when the main rotor impacted a tree. The helicopter began vibrating severely and an emergency landing was initiated. During the touchdown, the right skid struck a boulder, and the helicopter rolled onto its side. No mechanical malfunctions were reported with the helicopter. A witness reported that just prior to the accident, weather conditions were sunny and clear, then the fog rapidly came in and surface visibility decreased to 4 feet. She further stated that the rapidly changing weather is common to the area.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.